Elk County
PA · Pop. 30,703 · Suburban County
Elk County sits in Pennsylvania across 827 square miles, home to 30,703 people at 37.1 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $129,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.31%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 134-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.1°F and average winter lows of 16.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Penn Highlands Elk is 3.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $129,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Penn Highlands Elk, with an emergency room, is just 3.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 44.1 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 9.1% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 134-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.31% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Elk County, PA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 76/100
- Median home price
- $129k
- Property tax
- 1.31%
- Growing season
- 134 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.1"
- Broadband
- 89.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Penn Highlands Elk, 3.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Elk County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Elk County?
- Elk County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 134-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.1°F, and average winter lows of 16.3°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $129,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.31%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Penn Highlands Elk is 3.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Pennsylvania Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Pennsylvania
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The closest counties to Elk County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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